Latest news with #PatrickO'Connor
USA Today
11-07-2025
- Science
- USA Today
Denver museum discovers nearly 70-million-year-old fossil under parking lot
A museum in Denver has found a fossil that is almost 70 million years old under its parking lot while running an unrelated drilling project. "This may be the most unusual dinosaur discovery I have ever been a part of," said Patrick O'Connor, director of Earth & Space Sciences at the Museum, in a statement. In January, the museum conducted a geothermal test drilling project to see if it was possible to switch from natural gas to geothermal energy, according to a press release published on the museum's website. "At that time, the team took the opportunity to carry out a scientific coring research initiative to help researchers better understand the geology of the Denver Basin," the press release stated. "The coring investigation led to the unexpected discovery of a nearly [70 million-year-old] dinosaur fossil." The discovery, a partial-bone fossil that was identified as a vertebra of a herbivorous dinosaur, is on display in the 'Discovering Teen Rex' exhibition on the museum floor. 'In my 35 years at the Museum, we've never had an opportunity quite like this — to study the deep geologic layers beneath our feet with such precision," Bob Raynolds, a longtime Earth Sciences Research Associate, said in a statement. "That this fossil turned up here, in City Park, is nothing short of magical.' More news: Pterosaur fossil discovered in Arizona's Petrified Forest National Park fills gap in record Where was the fossil located? The fossil was found 763 feet below the surface of the museum's parking lot near the city's largest park, City Park, which also contains the Denver Zoo. It "has been identified as the deepest and oldest dinosaur fossil ever found within the city limits," according to the museum. What did the fossil belong to? The museum only states that the fossil likely belonged to a plant-eating dinosaur that walked on two legs. But, it looks very similar to one belonging to a Thescelosaurus from the latest Cretaceous Period. Remains of the dinosaur have been found in Canada and the U.S., according to the Natural History Museum in London. The dinosaur, which name means "wonderful lizard," would have been nearly as tall as the average man and been around 10-12 feet long, or 3.5 meters. How old was the fossil? The bones were found in rock from the Late Cretaceous period, and are dated to be around 67.5 million years ago. 'This fossil comes from an era just before the mass extinction that wiped out the dinosaurs, and it offers a rare window into the ecosystem that once existed right beneath modern-day Denver," James Hagadorn, curator of geology at the Museum, said in a statement. It was a small ornithopod, which means a bipedal dinosaur with only three functional toes, according to Mirriam-Webster. Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@
Calgary Herald
15-06-2025
- Calgary Herald
Security ramps up, protesters gather as world leaders land in Calgary for start of G7 summit
Article content The demonstration interfered with Calgary fire responses, according to Calgary police: 'We've been made aware that two calls for service for Calgary Fire Department were impacted by the demonstration,' CPS wrote on social media. Article content By 3:15 p.m., all roads in downtown had reopened and demonstrators had returned to City Hall, according to CPS. Article content Article content Calgary police warned all road users to be mindful of motorcades in Calgary and area throughout the duration of the G7 summit. Article content The City of Calgary is warning drivers to expect road closures and delays around the Calgary International Airport and downtown core as leaders and delegates arrive for the summit. Article content The airport tunnel is closed until June 18, meaning commuters from northeast Calgary will need to find alternate routes. The off-ramp from 19th Street to eastbound Airport Trail N.E. is also closed during this period, though the rest of Airport Trail remains open. Article content Article content A security checkpoint has been set up at the north end of McCall Way N.E., restricting access to airport employees and business traffic only. Article content Article content Meanwhile in Banff, visitors and locals noticed an influx of security in the mountain town by Sunday. Article content Despite excitement from some around the G7, the town itself wasn't any busier than usual, according to one tourist. Article content 'I've seen Banff a lot busier than this . . . I've been here almost five, six times,' said Joanne Morgan, who was visiting Banff with her two sisters from Ireland. Article content Patrick O'Connor, who works in Banff, said the crowds have been normal for this time of year, despite the exciting potential of world leaders visiting Banff. Article content
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Coalition Government Prioritizing Motorways Over Essential Public Transport
The Free Fares movement, a coalition of over 100 organisations, is deeply disappointed that the coalition government is prioritizing astronomically expensive roading projects over essential public transport needs in Budget 2025. 'Free Fares calls on the government to prioritise Vote Transport money towards accessible public transport for those who most need it. Free Fares calls for quality free public transport for students, under 25s, Community Service Card holders, Total Mobility Card holders and their support people,' says Free Fares spokesperson Patrick O'Connor. 'Communities are at the mercy of the cost of living crisis and the climate crisis. Public transport is the best sustainable solution to these problems. Building more roads will not improve traffic for commuters. Less investment in public transport will mean more cars, and therefore more traffic jams and congestion. 'In comparison, buses and trains take far less space and move far more people. A quality and affordable public transport system has the potential to both greatly reduce traffic woes and carbon emissions.' At the same time as 15 motorways are being built the NZTA intends to increase the 'private share of public transport operating expenditure'. This pushes councils to increase bus and train fares. This will push more costs onto working people, making daily life more difficult for already struggling New Zealanders. Many Transport Authorities have told NZTA this is not realistic. Free Fares NZ and 6000 others recently petitioned the government against the private share fare hikes. 'Free Fares advocates for community needs over the self-interests of profit' O'Connor explains. 'Public transport is a long-term investment. It increases accessibility for people to benefit from education and the labour force, which in turn allows them to contribute to the productivity and innovation of society in the long-term.' Notes: Free Fares NZ is a coalition of over 100 organisations across Aotearoa, including local councils, LGNZ, climate justice organisations, churches, anti-poverty groups, trade unions, student associations and various other community organisations. We call on the government to subsidise half-price public transport for everyone, as well as free transport for students, under 25s, Community Service card holders, and Total Mobility card holders along with their support people. Free Fares have been successful so far in securing permanent half-price fees for Community Service cardholers.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Stars School & Learning Center in Weymouth Sets Opening Date for September 2025
The first-of-its-kind school on Boston's South Shore will serve students with dyslexia and related language-based learning differences WEYMOUTH, MA / / May 21, 2025 / Stars School & Learning Center, a new specialized nonprofit day school serving cognitively skilled students in Grades 1-5 with dyslexia and related language-based learning differences, has officially announced its inaugural opening date: September 4, 2025. Developed and led by South Shore Stars CEO Jennifer Curtis-Whipple, Ed.D., a former Superintendent of Weymouth Public Schools, the school is a natural extension of Stars' five-decade commitment to early education, academic enrichment, and family support. Located at 163 Libbey Parkway in Weymouth, Stars School & Learning Center will be the first school of its kind on Boston's South Shore, offering an innovative, evidence-based, multisensory curriculum grounded in the Science of Reading within a highly supportive learning environment. Enrollment is open year-round, and Stars is able to accommodate mid-year transfer students. As a nonprofit, Chapter 766-approved day school, Stars accepts both private-pay students and those placed by public school districts. Recently approved tuition rates by the Massachusetts Operational Services Division will allow public districts to access state and municipal funding for appropriate student placements. The idea for the school was ignited three years ago when State Senator Patrick O'Connor introduced Dr. Curtis-Whipple to a group of parents seeking a solution for the lack of resources on the South Shore. In February 2023, Stars committed to launching a new school to fill that void. With necessary approvals now in place, the board recently voted to allocate all necessary resources to guarantee opening for the 2025-2026 school year. "This program is a major need on the South Shore, and similar programs throughout the eastern part of the state are full. Dyslexic students are all too frequently faced with instruction that is poorly executed and leaves the child unable to read at a useful level," says Nancy Duggan, founder of Decoding Dyslexia of MA and a Stars board member. "The entire board recognizes the pain that parents of dyslexic students experience when their children are unhappy and, often, depressed by the gap they can see between their abilities and their classmates." Stars has begun hiring Orton-Gillingham trained and certified teachers, Speech and Language Pathologists, and additional elementary school staff and expects to be fully staffed by July 31st. The school recently completed a $1.4 million remodeling project to create classrooms and learning spaces tailored to the needs of students with dyslexia, language-based learning needs, ADHD, and additional features to support teaching and learning for this population of children. The upgraded space features a state-of-the-art gross motor and sensory space that allows children to engage with self-regulation tools and explore a multitude of resources and equipment. A scholarship fund is being established, and leadership is now refocusing its fundraising efforts toward ensuring future financial flexibility and a sustainable future for the school and the organization. "The community needs this program, and we have worked hard to get to a point where we are able to begin providing these services. All children deserve high-quality education, and we are ready to offer this specialized instruction for children with dyslexia," said Dr. Curtis-Whipple. "We are grateful to Quincy Mutual, South Shore Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Senator Patrick O'Connor, and countless others who have helped us realize this important step forward for education on the South Shore." ABOUT SOUTH SHORE STARS South Shore Stars is a nonprofit organization providing the highest quality early education and youth development programs for the communities south of Boston. Stars serves more than 1,300 children annually, providing programs to a diverse population, concentrating on school readiness and academic achievement, by promoting healthy development and strengthening families. From the organization's inception in 1970, its programs have focused on quality early education, academic, enrichment, and family support, with two interconnected goals of enabling parents to work and supporting each of the children to thrive and reach their full potential. STARS SCHOOL AND LEARNING CENTER Stars School & Learning Center is a private nonprofit school for children grades 1 - 5 with language-based learning differences, like dyslexiaand co-occurring conditions, including in Weymouth, Mass. and opening in September 2025 and a first-of-its-kind day school on Boston's South Shore, Stars' Orton-Gillingham-trained and certified teachers and staff will provide a unique experience for students with average to above-average intelligence, whose diverse learning styles may not be leveraged by a traditional academic setting. Applications and additional information:Visit: development@ SOURCE: South Shore Stars View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Franklin Templeton Plans to Convert 10 Putnam Municipal Bond Mutual Funds into ETFs
Franklin Templeton has revealed plans to convert 10 of its Putnam municipal bond mutual funds into exchange-traded funds (ETFs), a move that significantly broadens its municipal bond ETF offerings. This development follows Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) acquisition of Putnam Investments in January 2024. The transition is slated to take place between the fourth quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026. Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) is a global investment management firm that serves clients in more than 150 countries through its network of subsidiaries. Patrick O'Connor, who leads Global ETFs at Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN), indicated that the decision to convert the funds into ETFs was aimed at addressing investor demand for high-quality municipal bond strategies in a more cost-effective, flexible, and transparent format. He noted that the firm's ETF offerings are designed to provide a broad range of options for all types of investors. According to him, the planned additions demonstrate the company's ongoing commitment to this goal and represent a significant step forward as active fixed-income strategies continue to evolve within the ETF landscape. Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) introduced its first ETF in 2014, aiming to offer investors access to its investment expertise through a low-cost and transparent structure. Since then, the firm has steadily grown its ETF offerings worldwide, now covering active, passive, and smart beta strategies. As of May 15, 2025, its U.S. ETF platform features more than 70 funds, managing roughly $32 billion in assets. The planned changes to its product lineup are expected to further solidify the company's standing as a leading provider of diverse ETF options across all strategy types. The firm also emphasized the ongoing importance of municipal bonds in investor portfolios, noting their appeal due to federally tax-exempt income, historically low default rates, and their role as effective diversifiers within fixed-income allocations. BEN is up by over 10% in 2025 so far. While we acknowledge the potential of BEN to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than BEN and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock. READ MORE: and Disclosure. None.
